Attic white-ground funerary lekythoi, Classical period. The white slip and polychrome painting of these vases makes them stand out next to more common black or red figure. However, both were too fragile to stand up to daily handling and use, so lekythoi of this type were manufactured almost exclusively for use as grave offerings. The first vase showsa young man visiting a tomb which has several vessels of the same shape already placed in front of it.  The other two are leave-taking scenes exactly like those commonly depicted on tombstones.

Tags: ancient greece Athens antiquity classical period Greek pottery lekythos white-ground pottery funerary art Greek art Ancient Greek Art